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Bagatelle: A French Bistro at Walking Distance from AUB

You must have heard about the ever popular places like Blue Note Café, Le Rouge, and Uncle Sam’s (a place that has been reigned for many generations on Bliss Street). Well these names have been brought to us by restaurateur Nabil Majdalani, a man who has always created his own concepts in the hospitality business and with each concept comes great success.
And the latest testament to his distinctive approach is Bagatelle bistro in Hamra. Tucked away on Jeanne d’Arc Street,Bagatelle is a casual European/Mediterranean bistro that serves specialties from the south of France, Italy, Spain, as well as Greece.
Loosely translating from French as a light piece of music or literature, Bagatelle invites you with its many notes of warmth and coziness that are set against an elegant backdrop. Each of the two floors of the 1927 home has four rooms, all of which pulsate with the earthy appeal of wood and stone. Inside, the eyes cannot miss the original old stone structures under the house’s archways. Another notable feature of the dining area is the inclusion of a large wooden oven that is accentuated by a cherry hued wine bar, while the hung up modern artworks by local artists are a welcome addition.
Though each can seat up to 50 denizens, the indoor area and the outdoor terrace are not two peas in a pod – the choice of color and furniture differs greatly. Inside, the unpretentious warmth of the leather and wooden furnishing stands in stark contrast to the brighter, more summery exteriors.
From a richly creamy yellow façade to the hints of demure red, blue, and mahogany in the interiors, the fusion of color is inspired by Mediterranean culture. The design also preserves the home style atmosphere of the house, which complements the concept of Bagatelle.
“What we have here is an authentic Lebanese house, which defines the whole character and charm of Bagatelle and makes it unique.” Renovated old houses turned restaurants abound in Lebanon. But Bagatelle, with its simplicity and understated sophistication, proves that not all old houses were created – or renovated – equal.
Thank you MM.